How to choose the right spill kit for your site. 

Know your safety and legal responsibilities. 

Glen suggests starting your selection process by identifying any activities or areas of your site that may cause pollution. “Evaluating and managing the risk of environmental pollution happening at your workplace using a risk assessment approach is essential. Businesses can maintain compliance and safety by making sure they are up to date with the regulations that apply to chemical spills,” says Glen.

According to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, businesses who fail to implement adequate spill control measures face up to 5,000 penalty units ($1,565,000) for an individual and up to 50,000 penalty units ($15,650,000) for a body corporate¹.

“While each workplace is different, and the issues and responses required will vary accordingly, it’s important that your business has an incident management and spill response plan to ensure that any incidents that do occur are managed safely and in a manner that minimises harm to site personnel, the environment and the business,” explains Glen.

Determine the type of spill.

Spills are generally classified into three types:

1. Water-based liquids or non-hazardous chemicals (e.g. coolants, paint, degreasers)
2. Hydrocarbon (e.g. oils, fuel, solvents)
3. Hazardous chemicals (e.g. acids, corrosive liquids, cleaning chemicals)²

“Conduct a risk assessment to determine the types of hazardous substances used within the business and understand the potential hazards that could lead to a pollution incident,” says Glen.

Assess the size of potential spill. >

According to Glen, considering the size of your largest likely spill is best practice in ensuring your workplace has the correct size spill kit. “A good rule of thumb is to select a spill kit that can absorb your maximum likely spill.”

So, which is the right spill kit for your workplace?

• General purpose spill kit (Blue bin) – for all water-based fluids or non-hazardous chemical; commonly used around high-traffic areas and near machinery.
• Oil and fuel spill kit (Yellow bin) – for hydrocarbon fluids such as motor fluid, hydraulic oil, turpentine; also suitable for marine spills.
• Chemical spill kit (Red bin) – for hazardous or unknown liquid; ideal for all sites because the red colour allows for easy visual identification and location in an emergency.²

To assist with spills, the Stratex General Purpose Spill Kit Carry Bag  offers a cost-effective solution for handling spills of any kind. Designed with convenience in mind, this basic spill kit comes in a durable, plastic, clip-closed bag that’s easy to grab and go. For protection against blood-borne pathogens, infectious diseases and biohazards, the Zeomed Biohazard Spill Kit  provides a complete system of tools including a face mask, apron, gloves and more for managing spills.

Winc can help you with everything your workplace needs to work safely, with a wide range of spill kits and absorbent products or explore our complete Health & Safety Essentials range here  from well-known and trusted brands.